ASEAN countries are vulnerable to supply chain disruptions due to their heavy dependence on crude oil imports from the Middle East.

As competition in ASEAN is intensifying, Vietnamese enterprises are advised to strengthen distribution networks, enhance product innovation and closely monitor policy changes and trade-defence measures in importing markets to sustain and expand their market share.

Despite tariff headwinds, Viet Nam remains among ASEAN’s top export growth performers, supporting expectations of robust gains in employment and wages.

According to the VNA correspondent in Singapore, the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam concluded with one of its highest orientations and determinations: to use development for stability and stability to promote rapid and sustainable development.

Despite relatively uniform nominal tariffs, effective tariff rates and pending investigations put most ASEAN goods at risk of additional tariffs amid the unpredictable US policy.

In December alone, Singapore’s total trade with Việt Nam reached nearly 4 billion SGD (over US$3.1 billion), representing a year-on-year increase of 30.1 per cent.

The Philippines plans to sign an agreement to import an initial 2.5 million tonnes of rice from Viet Nam as part of its 2026 procurement strategy.

The relationship between the two countries is not only fostered at the government level but also receives increasingly effective support from the business community and the private sector.

The year 2025 marked a significant breakthrough for Vietnamese seafood exports, reflecting Singapore’s growing demand and increasing confidence in the quality and branding of Viet Nam’s seafood products.

Viet Nam is rapidly establishing itself as a key economic hub in Southeast Asia, delivering some of ASEAN’s strongest GDP growth as the government pushes industrial reforms, accelerates infrastructure development, and steers the economy towards a greener growth model.